heartless wrote:From Ashtad's position she peers around to see if there be any other way across to the other side, or if there are any more creatures around.

The only other way Ashtad can see across the ravine is to scurry down one steep edge, and up the other--it would be a tiresome and dangerous climb. Or else to go looking for another bridge, or a shallower part of the ravine... but who knows how long that might take.

Helmut is loath to trust the word of a beast, but sees little choice at present. He edges cautious up the last rickety steps to the far edge, and sidles around the beast, keeping two wary eyes on it the whole time (and simultaneously racking his brain for tips on fighting piles of stone).

Once on solid ground, he upends his pack before the beast. The remnants of trail rations pour out onto the earth, with a hammer, some iron spikes, a collection of torches and a tinder.

"As I said, slim pickings" he says, standing back to let the creature take his payment and ready for any mischief that may ensue, "But payment nonetheless as agreed".

"I am sure we can come to some arrangement" replies Helmut, entirely unconvinced of this himself.

He repacks his non-food possessions as Valorn completes the voyage over the chasm, peering around surreptitiously for the best place to stand if it comes to a fight, or the best escape route if it comes to fleeing.